Active Listening

Active listening is a communication technique that involves fully focusing on and understanding the message that someone is trying to convey.

What is Active Listening?

In a sales context, active listening is important because it helps salespeople build trust and rapport with their customers, as well as gather important information about the customer's needs and preferences.

To practice active listening in a sales context, a salesperson should:

  1. Pay attention to the customer's words and body language
  2. Avoid interrupting the customer
  3. Reflect on what the customer is saying by summarizing or paraphrasing their points
  4. Show genuine interest in the customer and what they have to say
  5. Ask open-ended questions to clarify the customer's needs and gather more information

By actively listening to their customers, salespeople can better understand their needs and tailor their sales pitch accordingly, ultimately leading to more successful sales outcomes.


Return to Sales Glossary